At the advent of the 21st century, the problem of environmental pollution is posing a great threat to our present civilization. Environmental pollution is a direct consequence of industrial progress.
The more we become civilized, the more we are marching towards devastation. We must remember Mahatma Gandhi’s saying: “Nature has enough for our needs, not enough for our greed.”
The environment means the land, water, and air around us. In other words, it refers to the surroundings and conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. In our cities, the air is constantly being polluted by smoke from factories and carbon monoxide gases emitted by motor vehicles. In winter, the air becomes heavy with smoke. A thick layer of smog (smoke + fog) descends all around, causing a burning sensation in the eyes and breathing troubles with damage to the lungs. Even the ground we walk on, in both urban and rural areas, is polluted by uncollected garbage. The food grain we consume is polluted with the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Water is also polluted, particularly as a result of untreated sewage. Additionally, oil tankers often clean out their tanks at sea, and power stations release hot water into rivers, killing fish and aquatic plants. Moreover, the amount of oxygen released from the plant kingdom is being diminished day by day due to indiscriminate deforestation and the felling of trees to meet the increasing demands of the human population.
Noise pollution is another nuisance. The blaring horns of automobiles, particularly in congested urban areas, pollute and upset the normal balance of the environment. Microphones and crackers during festivals very often exceed the limit of normal endurance. As a result, people run the risk of becoming deaf and suffering severe nervous breakdowns. The latest addition to environmental pollution comes from nuclear explosions and radioactive rays, which damage the biosphere. Thus, the price of pollution may be the extinction of mankind from this planet.
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Under such circumstances, we cannot remain idle and let things continue as they are. We must take immediate steps to prevent pollution and purify the environment. Steps must be taken to control the mushrooming of industries here and there. To fight against water pollution, sewage treatment plants must be built. At the same time, industrial effluents should not be released directly into rivers. We must ensure the purity of our drinking water and regulate the use of pesticides in our food supply.
We should take every possible step to save our environment. But the best way to curb pollution is to plant trees and take care of them. People must be made aware of the dangers of environmental pollution and their responsibilities to check it through both formal and non-formal education. Above all, we must make peace with Nature. We ought to remember, “Pollute and perish; preserve and flourish.”